Reel Girl's Animal House

Welcome Helmar Blog Hoppers!

2010-12-04T23:16:00.001-08:00

Welcome Holiday Hoppers! You should be here after visiting the amazing Laura Achilles blog (lauraachilles1.wordpress.com)

Well, I know you have already seen a lot of incredible projects in this blog hop, here is my holiday inspiration....my own version of the 12 days of Christmas ( a mini advent calendar) ...12 days of activities that mean something to our famliy.

I stapled chicken wire to a frame to create my bullentin board. (After the holidays, this will serve as a daily bullentin board)

Plastic name badges became my calendar "pages" and the badges are stuck to my bulletin board using silver clothes pins from Canvas Home Basics.

I used Elles Studio Holiday Numbers adhered to the plastic name badges with Helmar Premium Craft Glue.

I used Best Creations Glitterd Cardstock (have you worked with this glittered cardstock? IT IS A-MAZING!) and on the back side of the glittered cardstock, I adhered regular white cardstock with my 12 days of Christmas activities (using Helmar Acid Free).

From here, you should be hopping on over and being really inspired by our own Amy Teets - She always rocks my scrappy world!

Thanks for stopping by today!

If you leave a comment, please leave a note about your own family traditions during the holidays!

Shelly

It's a Rock Star Diva thang......

2010-11-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

I am proud to be one the November Guest Designers for the Paris Hilton Creativity Collection. This collection was designed for young scrappers -- but I had a blast creating these projects (I do love my bling!) Every collection is cute & girly and if you have a tween or teen in your life that is crafty - - you must get them some of this collection! Check out my projects all this week on their facebook page!

I worked with the Rock Star Diva Kit along with a couple of packages of Rhinestone Stickers & Sticker Sheets.

My first layout is of my sister's dog (actually one of her FOUR dogs!) Beezy (and she also took this picture of Beezy!)

The rhinestone title sticker originally said "Pop Star", but I cut off the top of the "O" to make it "Pup Star"! I also punched holes in the epoxy circle sticker to create a button accent for my page. I used lots of bling on this layout, so of course had to use Helmar Gemstone Glue, and Helmar 450 Quick Dry for the organza ribbon and everything else. I also used some Zap Dots to "pop" up some of my cut out elements. The only things not included with the kit were the Prima paper flowers, the organza animal print ribbon ($1 from Michael's clearance bin!) photo corners (actual vintage black photo corners from my grandma's stash!) and the AC Thickers for her name - - hard to tell from the picture, but they ARE glittered! I finished this layout off by machine stitiching a double border using both brown and black thread to match the animal print elements.

I was lucky enough to be invited to see the American Idol Concert Tour here in San Diego by my sister-in-law, Debbie. We had the BEST time!! Dinner at a Greek restaurant first, then off to the concert - - where I was truly blown away by the sheer talent of these Top Ten performers - - much more dynamic than what you see on TV!! Sioban was truly amazing, truly a performer. But of course, my heart belongs to Casey! And Lee really rocked my world! He was amazing!

So how perfect was this kit to scrap my American Idol Experience?!

I copied and printed the AI logo from their website. Cut it out and attached it to chipboard. I used Helmar Textured Effects on top to give some "oopmh!" to the logo and attached it to the page with Liquid Scrap Dots for dimension.

Next I decided on creating some cool cards for the younger kids in my family & also a "Diva Emergency Survival Kit" which I will share with you tomorrow! Fun stuff!

Thanks for stopping by today! And be sure to stop by tomorrow for more ways to rock this paper & embellie collection!

Shelly

Welcome Helmar Halloween Howlers!!

2010-10-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks for participating in the Helmar Halloween Howler Blog Hop!

Halloween is my favorite holiday - I love the decorations, the costumes, carving pumpkins and roasting pumpkin seeds and of course....the candy......

We got to choose which Helmar products we wanted to highlight for this blog hop, and I had to go with my 2 favorite go-to glues: Helmar Professional Acid Free Glue and Helmar Gemstone Glue.

Lately I have been obssessed with all things vintage in my decorating and in my paper crafting. I decided to create this Halloween card after seeing the adorable vintage halloween images from Gecko Galz:

Some notes and tips on how I created this card:

I printed the word Bewitched on white cardstock, then cut out with scissors and and X-Acto knife. I brushed the Gemstone Glue on the cut out word using a paint brush and then liberally poured the glitter over the top. I also used a paint brush to apply gemstone glue to the tulle and then sprinkled glitter on to it.

I like to apply the Acid Free Glue directly to my paper, then spread it around a bit using a Helmar glue spreader. I will often use a brayer to roll over the top to make sure I have good even coverage.

Supplies for this card are as follows:

Helmar Acid Free Glue
Helmar Gemstone Glue
Bazzill CS - Black
Core'dinations CS Vintage Collection(embossed with Cuttlebug and lightly Sanded)
Pink Paislee Pixie Stix black glitter
Vintage Halloween Empemera from Gecko Gals
Black Tulle
ColorBox Ink

Now here is where Helmar Remove Cleaner comes into play.....because I am an incredibly messy crafter, my work surfaces and all my tools get a generous spray of Remove and a good wipedown after every project! It cleans the sticky goop off of everything - and it smells good, too! And my Remove is not just for my craft area - - it gets used all over the house!

I am leaving you with instructions for PERFECT roasted pumpkin seeds!

Ingredients:

Seeds from your freshly carved Jack-O-Latern (remove pulp, rinse well under cold water and pat dry)
Approximately 2 Tablespoons melted butter
Nature's Seasoning (by Morton Salt)

Oven 300 Degrees

Toss pumpkin seeds in melted butter, coat well.
Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet covered in foil
Sprinkle LIBERALLY with Nature's Seasoning
Bake 30 to 45 minutes until golden brown

ENJOY!

Thanks for stopping by, and now hop on over to Tanisha's blog by clicking the image below:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2010-09-06T13:51:00.001-07:00

I have wanted to do a layout about my trip to New York to attend a book reading and signing by J.K. Rowling when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows came out in October of 2007 (the final book of the series) - - and I finally got the inspiration and the challenge.

This layout was created for Week 2 of the Treasured Hunt - - a contest going on right now at Treasured Scrapbooking. One of the requirements for this week's layout was to use a book title for your layout title.....and this was just the catalyst I needed to get me started! Inspiration just took hold!

I cannot get enough of the Helmar Crackle Medium - - it is so fun to work with and really gives character to my journaling cover. With all of the different textures and materials on this layout, I used a full array of Helmar Adhesives - - 450 Quick Dry (metal elements, pressed plant) Acid Free Glue (papers and photos, also the page from a vintage book) and of course Gemstone Glue on my Gryffindor House banner!

Here are some additional views:

Here is my complete supply list and my journaling:

Supply list:

· Cardstock: Bo Bunny Double Dot – Licorice
· Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee - 365° Collection “Dream Big” (used both sides) and “Day Dreams” Teresa Collins – Journal It Collection – Library Book Card, Moxxie Mini Die cut Cardstock Fall Frolic 2009
· Embellishments: Karen Foster Page Pin Up – 6” in Baroque Black, Rub -Ons-Pink Paislee “Pop Fashion Icons” Alpha Stickers – Making Memories Tiny Alphas and Memories Kraft Words, Misc. metal embellishments – key, brads, hinges – unk. Mfg., plant from a camping trip.
· Ink: all by Clearsnap – Ancient Page in Coal Black, Color Box Pigment in Frost White, Color Box Fluid Chalk in Pumpkin Spice and Color Box Fluid Chalk in Warm Red
· Adhesives: Helmar Acid Free, 450 Quick Dry, Gemstone Glue and Helmar Crackle Medium over the journal cover.

Special notes/techniques:

· I found a Harry Potter font online, printed it on cardstock and cut the letters out by hand.
· I cut the image of Hedwig the owl from a children’s poster, adhered it to chipboard and then used Helmar Crackle Medium on it.
· For the Gryffindor House banner, I found the image online but really wanted it on fabric. So, using Helmar V2 spray I attached a piece of fabric to cardstock and ran it through my printer.
· The book page is from a 1915 textbook called “Chief Contemporary Dramatists” that I found at a thrift store.
· The feather, pressed flower, owl and banner all represent different things from the Harry Potter books.
· On the edges of my cardstock, I used Tattered Angel masks and ink.

Journaling (hidden under “owl communiqué”)

"This is not just any copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”

This book is a first edition (note the hologram seal) signed by J.K. Rowling on October 19th, 2007 at Carnegie Hall in New York during the “Open Book Tour”.

This was one of only three appearances in 2007 that the author made in the United States after a 7 year hiatus. Two of these readings were held at schools only for specially selected children to attend.

The book reading and signing at Carnegie Hall was extra special; the only persons attending were 1,000 fans from all over the world whose names were randomly drawn in a sweepstakes sponsored by Scholastic. As a self-proclaimed “Harry Potter Nerd”, imagine my excitement when I received a phone call telling me where to pick up my tickets! These lucky fans were allowed to bring one guest (I chose mom!) Fans who were awarded this incredible opportunity were required to pay their own transportation and lodging expenses to attend this event. That so many people were willing to do this speaks to just how much these amazing books have influenced and affected this generation and will continue to affect generations yet to discover Harry Potter.

And Oh, the things you learn when listening to an author talk about their books, writing process and inspirations!!

At the end of the book reading, selected guests were allowed to ask questions of the author. One young girl asked if Dumbledore had ever had a long lost love or negative experience with a woman as there was never any mention in any of the books of a love interest for the enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts. The author replied that she had always considered the character of Dumbledore to be “gay” - - this brought a moment of silence, an audible gasp from the entire audience, quickly followed by thunderous applause and cheers and one audience member who apparently so identified with this, jumped from his seat and did a dance. What other author has tackled so many social mores and issues in a “children’s book”. After the chaos of this revelation died down, Ms Rowling remarked that this tidbit would probably be in the news, and garner her more unwarranted negative comments and hate mail!

Sure enough, the very next day, CNN reported that Dumbledore was gay.

It should be noted, for those who were not lucky enough to attend one of her 3 book readings, that in addition to her incredible talent at writing and bringing characters to life, J.K. Rowling is quite beautiful, quite well spoken and possesses a poise that is able to hold an audience of 2,000 in rapt attention.

It was an experience I will always treasure.

Savor every sentence of this book, the last in the series and pass it on to your own children."

Thanks for stopping by today!

Shelly

Scrap-Tacular!

2010-07-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

I love the time between June 14th (Flag Day) and July 4th, everywhere you go are displays of patriotism - - American flags, bunting, all things red, white and blue!

I actually begin my display the weekend of Memorial Day and will leave it until August. My front walkway is lined with red, white and blue Petunias, stars and stripes pinwheels, bunting and tiny American Flags.

So a special shout out to any military members, wives, or kids who may be reading my blog today!! Thank you!
Having said all this, I was absolutely THRILLED to receive the July Kit - "SCRAP-TACULAR" from the SCRAP-TASTIC site to work with this month!!

While there is so much more to this kit than just red, white and blue - I took full advantage of these elements to create the following projects:

"Pearl Harbor" (this layout based on a sketch by Julie Bonner who ran the 52 sketches/52 weeks site) SUPPLY LIST: Scrap-Tastic July Kit “Scrap-Tacular”
My Mind's Eye:Red Daisy Paper Flocked Paper - Lush Collection, My Mind's Eye Red Flocked Chipboard (Alpha) Pink Paislee:Daydream/Dream Big - 365 Degrees Collection, Fancy PantsYellow Ball Trim, Fancy Pants Funky Freestyle Chipboard (Stars) Other: Bazzill: White & Navy, Clearsnap Ink – Red Liptstick, Stickles (red) Dymo Label Maker (date) Machine Stitching Helmar Professional Acid Free Glue, Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

4th of July Canvas

SUPPLY LIST: Scrap-Tastic July Kit “Scrap-Tacular”
Pink Paislee:Daydream/Dream Big - 365 Degrees Collection, Fancy PantsYellow Ball Trim, Buttons, Rhinestone Buttons,
Other: 5X7 Canvas (Michaels) , Clearsnap Ink – Red Liptstick, Blue Iris, Patriotic Epherma – Gecko Gals, Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels) Vintage Bottle Cap – Lil Davis, Grommets, Helmar Professional Acid Free Glue, Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

Thanks for stopping by today, if you have your own patriotic layouts, projects or yard decor, please share a link with me! I will leave you these images from our Smalltown USA 4th of July Parade:

Shabby Chic Wall Hanging

2010-06-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

I want to share a project I made this weekend using the June Kit from Treasured Scrapbooking, Antique Pearl Buttons from Gecko Galz and Helmar Crackle Medium (along with some tips on using the crackle medium). A complete supply list will be included at the end of this post.

I began with a $1 frame from Michael's. After cutting my patterned paper to size, I adhered it the wood frame using the Helmar Acid Free Glue. I then sanded and inked all of the paper edges. Next I applied Helmar Crackle Medium Step 1 - apply a nice even coat and allow to dry for about 30 minutes. Next, apply a REALLY THICK coat of Helmar Crackle Medium Step 2 using a foam brush. Go ahead a brush on a couple of coats - then you will need to allow your project to dry overnight. The next day, I poured some linseed oil (available at craft & hobby stores) onto a rag and rubbed down the entire frame, this removed the tacky residue and made the crackles really stand out. To make my crackling stand out even more, I rubbed an inkpad all over the frame several times, and wiped off the excess ink with my linseed oil rag.

Here is a detail of the crackling:

Buttons were stitched onto a scrap piece of muslin and all embellishments were attached with Helmar 450 Quick Dry. I stapled grosgrain ribbon to the back of the frame for hanging. I think this will be a super cute accent in my sewing/craft room!

Details of embellishments and buttons:

Complete Supply List for Shabby Chic Wall Hanging:

Wood Frame (Michael's or other craft store)

From the June Kit at Treasured Scrapbooking: Basic Grey "Green at Heart" Patterned Paper - "Recycle", Ribbon Rose, Green Paper Roses, and Chandelier Crystal Drops

Gecko Gals "Friperies" Antique Pearl Buttons

MM Paint - Evergreen (for the edges of frame)

Clearsnap Cat Eye Ink Pad - Olive Pastel

Pearl topped pins

Bling Flourishes - Me & My Big Ideas

Grosgrain Ribbon - "Celebrate It/Basics" Michael's

Helmar Crackle Medium

Helmar 450 Quick Dry

Helmar Acid Free Glue

You might also notice that I finally figured out how to update the slide show of my projects over there on the side of my blog!

I will end this post with a few of my current faves! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Vintage Vanity Case for Your Inner Diva!

2010-05-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else remember when all luggage was hard-sided, and you (or your mom) packed all of your make-up and personal items in one of these:

Well, armed with Vintage Ephemera Sets from Gecko Gals and my arsenal of Helmar Adhesives, my vanity case now looks like this:

And what will be stored in my new Diva Case you ask? Well of course.........

Actually, I will store all of my make-up and brushes in this case and keep it on my vanity table!

On this project, I used Helmar Decopauge Medium, Acrylic Sealer, 450 Quick Dry (all trims) Fray Stoppa (on ends of satin ribbon wrapped around handle) and Liquid Scrap Dots (for rhinestones on latch).

Thanks for stopping by today!

Shelly

Cookbook Winner!!

2010-04-14T17:04:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting on your fave recipes! And for those that have not tried any of Ree's delicious recipes, you need to get on over to her blog (thepioneerwoman.com)!
I toyed with the idea of giving the book to someone who had the same fave recipe as me, but in order to do that, I would have had to given a sealed envelope to a trusted person containing this information.But I didn't think of this until tonight. But, just so you know, so far my 2 fave PW recipes are the Marlboro Man Sandwich and Hot Crash Potatos (the latter not technically a PW recipe, but is from her blog and everytime I make them people RAVE!!!)

But before I announce the winner of the cookbook, I am going to RAK 2 other posters with fun kitchen gear:Sugar and Spice from Hawaii - cause she loves Hot Crashed Potatos and A Girl and 3 boys 'cause I kinda diss'd her hometown of Torrance (although I didn't mean to!). If you 2 chicks would get your mailing info to me - - I will send out a really fun kitchen gadget this week!

So.....on to the winner.........and the magic number is 29! Standby while I go count comments. Ok. I am back - our winner is: DALAYNEY'S DOODLES!Mailing info should be sent to: skhsimmons@gmail.com . Thanks again, I hope you stop back by for future ramblings and giveaways!

The Big Pioneer Woman Cookbook Giveaway!!

2010-04-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

In late 2009, the cookbook I had been waiting for was finally available:

And Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman - went on a book signing tour!

I relentlessly stalked her blog, waiting for updates on her book signing stops. Really, who WOULDN'T want to make a stop in San Diego?

But alas, my city did not make the cut.

HOWEVER, she did have a stop scheduled for Torrance California. Really? Torrance?? Over San Diego?? I don't care where you are from - - San Diego trumps any spot in Los Angeles for any kind of stop-over!

But then.......the planets came into alignment and the angels sang ("aaaaahhhhhh.....")....my niece had a cheer competition that coincided with the book signing within a 15 minute drive of Torrance California on November, 22 2009!

We left San Diego at the crack of dawn to attend the cheer competition, after the awards ceremony we all piled into my mom's car (including my niece's unsuspecting friends who thought they were only coming along to watch the competition...MUUUHAAAAAHAHA!) and drove to the Border's Book Store in Torrance, California for a book signing that was to begin at 5pm.

We were among the lucky to be allowed to wait in line for 3 hours, and I am not being sarcastic - - so many people were turned away, I was so excited knowing that I would get a signed copy of the cookbook from the woman who made me a Goddess in the eyes of my husband by using her recipes!

I didn't mind, heck we were in my favorite place, a book store, I could pull books off the shelves and read them to my hearts content.

However, the half hour I spent in front of the book section containing the books about planes sucked.

I am so sorry for anyone out there who shares their life with someone obsessed and interested in all of the technical aspects of planes. No offense intended, but BLECH! Really, I can usually find something interesting in any printed form - - but this section - - NOTHING!

A side note about the other people in line: really, REALLY?? you couldn't walk 2 feet or even attempt to toss your trash into the available recepticles, but instead chose to leave your half eaten croissants and half full coffee cups among the shelves of new books?? That was just nasty! Who raised you? I threw away trash all along the line leading up to Ree.I hate litterbugs!

We got bored in lineSo we just kept taking pictures and it was then I noticed how greasy my bangs were at the end of the day. Fabulous! "Hi Ree! Love your recipes! I just squeeze the grease out of my bangs to cook!"

Well, my sister swears they were not that bad....

She's a LIAR!

We finally got our chance to meet Ree. She really is a cutie-patootie in real life.

And she really is funny - as evidenced by this photo:

She is also quite profound - apparantly - as evidenced by this photo:

What you really need to know is that she is just how you imagine her to be from reading her blog!

Thank you, Ree!!

I bought 2 copies of PW's cookbook this night - one for myself, and one for......WHO?? She was so gracious when signing her cookbooks, here is how she inscribed my books:

Notice the 2nd one??
So there you go. I pondered gifting this to a relative or friend, but really, if you don't know who PW is? Can you really appreciate this??

So I have decided to instead gift it to a stranger. A fan of PW. Someone who will be thrilled to have a signed copy and appreciate it! Someone who loves butter!!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post naming your fave PW recipe.

I will choose a winner on next Wednesday, April 14th -International posters are okay, too! I am not going to ask that you follow my blog, but I hope this post will make you aware of my blog and decide to check back now and again!

Checking in from the Happiest Place on Earth

2010-04-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

I know you are probably thinking I am talking about my scrap room, but I am actually at Disneyland this weekend for our grandson's birthday. Today California Adventure, tomorrow The Magic Kingdom!

I have so much blogging to catch up on - - the first 3 months of 2010 have been crazy busy, so be prepared for a flurry of posts!

Today I have a post up on the Helmar USA Design Team Blog - I created some garden stakes in anticipation of planting some veggies. I use the Helmar Acrylic Sealer - which gives a nice antiqued/vintage look and also offers some protection from the elements. You can check out my project here: Garden Stakes

Challenge #67 (School Days) is up at "A True Friend" - - if your pet went to school, what would his/her fave subject be - the DT has come up with some great, creative and funny layouts! Check it out here: A True Friend Challenge #67 And be sure to come back to ATF as we have some sponsors set up to provide some amazing prizes for our challenge participants!

I was asked to be on the Design Team at Treasured Scrapbooking to finish out the term for a DT Member who had to resign - I am over the moon about this - - Erin and I have very similar tastes and I adore her kits! Come check me out!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Shelly (aka Reel Girl)

A BIG THANK YOU and a WINNER!

2010-03-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to all of you who came and left such nice comments here during this weekend's Helmar Blog Hop! I had a lot of fun coming up with my topiary project and I look forward to our next Blog Hop!

The winner of the Helmar Gemstone Glue is:

Gail C said...
Can you see these in every spring color out there lining the walkway when the Easter bunny comes??Gotta get crackin" to make that many!! Thanks for sharing.
March 21, 2010 1:39 PM

And doesn't that sound like a cute idea for Easter?! Congrats, Gail! If you do end up doing this project, would love to see a picture!

Be sure to check back over at the Helmar Blog for the Grand Prize Winner!

I hope you will stop by later this week for a slide show of recent projects!

Shelly

WELCOME HELMAR BLOG HOPPERS!

2010-03-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and thanks for playing along in the Helmar Blog Hop. You should have found your way here by way of Becky's Blog - to get all the details on our blog hop start at the Helmar Blog.

We each got to choose what Helmar product we wanted to highlight - - I am a girl who loves all things glitzy and blingy - so Helmar Gemstone Glue was the natural choice for me!

It goes on white, but dries COMPLETELY CLEAR. It is also washable, I enjoy adding rhinestone detailing to dishtowels for a little extra WOW - nice to not have to worry about the gems falling off!

I have created this topiary centerpiece for my Easter table to show off the Gemstone Glue.
The head of my topiary is made of muffin pan liners (from the Dollar Store) folded to look like carnations. I then brushed gemstone glue on the edges and dipped into White Clearsnap Glitter
I attached the glittered carnations to the styrofoam ball using Helmar Acid Free Glue.

I painted my terra cot pot yellow and added clear and yellow flat backed glass stones with gemstone glue. My dowel stick is wrapped in a white embossed ribbon, and I poured plaster of paris into the pot to hold my topiary.

Be sure to leave a comment here for a chance to win my favorite Helmar product - Gemstone Glue - for yourself! And don't forget at the end of the hop to hop back over to the Helmar Blog for a chance at the Grand Prize!

Now get on over to Pinky's Blog for a project that is sure to blow you away!

P.S. Did you know that Helmar is now on Facebook? Fan us!

The County Fair, A Blue Ribbon and Some Scrap Projects!

2009-06-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

I created a slide show featuring the recent layouts I have completed for the Challenges at A True Friend My fave out of this bunch is the Dr. Seuss inspired layout! The current challenge is to use a quote on your layout - we were sponsered by Papermania - received gorgeous kits that were just full of fabulous pet scrapping goodies! They have even generously provided 2 kits for us to give to a couple of participants, so I hope you will pop over and check out the beautiful work by the design team and check out the layouts already linked up by readers!

The San Diego County Fair is currently running here at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. I entered a scrapbook layout in the Fair Theme catagory in the home and hobby show and received a Blue Ribbon - Yay! This year's theme is "Music Mania" and I created a layout with photos from the Toby Keith concert and included my My TK International Fan Club card on the layout!

It only took $20 and the help of my niece, her friends and my mom to win this (homage to Sheldon the Wonder Turtle - it sits next to his tank!)

And here we are, intent on winning!

Thanks for stopping by!

Life is good.....

2009-06-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

So much to update! I am going to use this post to highlight a few of the things going on in my life right now that are keeping me busy!

I was thrilled to be asked to be the the Guest Designer for June at Citrus Tree Studio (http://www.citrustreestudio.com/) I was given the "Easy Rider" kit to work with - a palette of teal, red, white and black and including a lot of Glitz products! This kit totally called out to the collage maker in me!

I hope you will drop by Citrus Tree, a really cool group of chicks hang out there!

Here are my first creations with this fab kit:

I am happy to brag about my nephew, Trevor. At 18, he has recently graduated from the Northwest Lineman College in Meridian, Idaho and has accepted an apprenticeship position with a company just outside of Dallas, Texas. So tomorrow he is off to his new life with his girlfriend who will be attending dental school. We had a going away party yesterday for them both, gifting them with things they would need to set up their first home away from their parents. Here is a link to a video Trevor created highlighting his time at NLC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChH_E-C3akI

THE GOOD LIFE......
Lastly, thanks to some really good friends, we were able to spend the first 3 days of this week at a condo in Palm Desert - the good life! I sunned by the pool each day, Danny golfed everyday. We had some FABULOUS meals, and I even sneaked out while Danny was napping one day to peruse thrift stores and came home with the incredible treasures pictured. The scary bunny pitcher was a mere $4.00 and the cake stand with dome only $15.00 (I can't wait to fill that dome with little white pumpkin gourds at Halloween!)

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for a major slide show of pet themed layouts that I have recently completed for A True Friend!

As God as my witness, I will never use a glue stick again!

2009-03-31T17:56:00.001-07:00

So, I grabbed a large stack of layouts the other day so I could put them into albums. As I walked towards my scrap table, the stack tilted a bit and then........a storm of alphas and embellishments dropped onto the floor. UGH. I have used every glue stick on the market, but I have never found one that actually worked as a permanent adhesive! So I just set the stack of layouts and miscellaneous embellies to the side - I just can't face the repair work right now!

But I ain't messing around next time - - everything is going to be attached with my Helmar glues!!

P.S. I threw every glue stick in my scrap room into the trash!

Some Scrapbook Updates......

2009-03-02T18:53:00.001-08:00

So, with too much work going on, I had been in kind of a scrappy slump. But recently I think my mojo has come back.

A new challenge is up at A True Friend (Challenge Blog for Pet Lovers!) I had a lot of fun with Challenge #41 - Grooming - My layout is about the "Peticure" tool from the informercial on TV. Yeah, I love informercials! My layout is here, I hope you will pop over and check out the others - - they are so fun!

Another recent pet layout I completed "Mad Cat" was named as "Design Team Layout of the Day" over at Treasured Scrapbooking (my online home!) today. This is always such a great boost! Especially when you are chosen by a scrapper you really admire like Pinky - check out her blog for some awesome inspiration!

And lastly, back in January, I was invited to an online crop over at Citrus Tree Studio by an online friend and really enjoyed it! So started visiting there a lot more often. I even threw my hat into the ring for their design team call. Although I didn't make the Spring/Summer Design Team - I will be one of the guest designers for this term, and I am super excited about that! They do have delicious kits, but equally important, the DT and message board are very friendly and open - - this always bodes well for good customer service - hope you get a chance to check them out.

Getting my free time back....

2009-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

With the ending of the regular NFL season (which means no more football pool!) and a change in jobs, I am getting my free time back!

I have been focusing on really learning my camara (Canon Rebel Xti) and taking better pictures. Colleen's family gave me an online photo class for Christmas through Perfect Picture School of Photography (ppsop.com) on Pet Photography, and I am absolutely LOVING IT!

Colleen, mom and I met with a group of photogs from the San Diego Photo Forum website last week for a group shoot in Old Town and Presidio Park. I took along Copper to use as a model for my first class assignment - natural light.

I have also started scrapbooking again! Completed my first layout since November! That's the longest I have EVER gone. Glad to be back at it and I will be adding a slide show here with my favorite layouts.

CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Winter is coming up in Anaheim at the end of this month - I look forward to getting all the inside scoop from my friend Tracy who will be manning the Helmar Adhesive Booth (check out their blog-the designers are fab!)

http://helmarusa.typepad.com/blog

Well, there's my quick update for now! If you are a turtle-lover, check back in the next day or so - - I just went on a shopping spree at PetSmart today (shhh! don't tell my husband!)& will be posting some pics of Sheldon the Wonder Turtle and his tank.

Love that little guy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Creations Part I

2008-11-30T18:14:00.000-08:00

I am furiously working on Christmas gifts! All the kids in my family will be getting a softie pet from me this year. Martha Stewart featured the book "Sock and Glove" by Miyako Kanamori over the summer and I absolutely fell in love with the little dog they made on the show. The book is available on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Sock-Glove-Creating-Charming-Cast-Off/dp/1557885168) and I highly recommend it!

You don't need a lot of sewing expertise and there are 13 different projects in the book.

Here are my first set of softie dogs.

Tomorrow I will be working on a Panda Bear and cat!

Other projects I am working on (and will post instructions for) are photo transfer tiles with a crackle finish, place mats made from hand dyed fabric (much easier than it sounds!) and a holiday throw pillow with a cute felt applique!

So check back each week to see which project I am working on - - all of my projects can be created in a weekend!

The cast of characters....

2008-11-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

So that you can all keep up (because I do refer to them all a lot), here is the run down on the animal members of my household.

Please note that at any given time, we may also be harboring furry guests for vacationing friends & family.

Elephant the Cat

Named by my niece, Kayleigh while she was going through a very “concrete” period in her young life when it came to naming things...Elephant was born grey – hence Elephant. His littermate was striped – was named Tiger. And then there was her turtle – Green Apple. I believe this concrete period coincided with the period in which she asked my sister to have her name changed to “Rainbow Fish”.

Elephant was MY cat until I started dating my now husband. Now, if Danny is around – I am invisible.

Peetie

Emotionally, very needy. He is a momma’s boy. He also has a severe “cookie” addiction.

It’s a problem.

HATES it when we dog sit!

Copper

Peetie’s littermate. She is a very sweet, lovey little girl. She only has 3 legs and she always has a look on her face like someone just yelled at her or beat her - - but that is the look she has always had – even when she had 4 legs.
She is a Daddy’s girl.
Her nickname is "CRAZY!"

Henry
My husband’s prized German Shorthair Pointer. This is definitely a man’s man dog! He hunts with my husband and basically worships the ground he walks on - - following him everywhere around the house and even waiting for him outside the bathroom door.

LOVES it when we dog sit!

Sheldon the Wonder Turtle

My 9 month old Red Ear Slider - - my newest obsession! Turtles ROCK!

Welcome to My World, Won't you come on in...

2008-11-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my world

Won't you come on in

If you don't immediately recognize, immediately smile, and immediately start singing this song, you are really, really young, or are just not a fan of Classic Country. Google Jim Reeves or Tammy Wynette. Better yet, just download it from iTunes. I'd have it playing on a playlist that automatically starts when you open my blog, but I really hate that about blogs. Mostly because when I am trying to be sneaky at work - - and I open a blog at my office and a REALLY loud, inappropriate rap song starts blaring from my computer, well, it's a little more than annoying and embarrasing.

Miracles I guess

Still happen now and then

Yeah, so I started blog.

Step into my heart

Leave your cares behind

Welcome to my world

I am an emotional, (super) opinionated person.

Built with you in mind

um, not so much.

Knock and the door will open

Seek and you will find

Ask and you'll be given

The key to this world of mine

I'll be waiting here

With my arms unfurled

Waiting just for you

Welcome to my world

What to expect from me....posts about my scrapbook layouts and other crafty things, posts about my pets and their care - - especially look for updates about my RES Turtle tank improvements, LOTS of pics of the Big Ass fish I catch, and I guess I'll have to give "props" to my husband and Larry - who I fish with. Sometimes I might even post about the words I think I make up to fit in the daily crossword puzzle that turn out to be real, and correct. I will also post updates about the things that I find amusing and interesting happening with my family.

So...

"Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!"

and please don't admit to me that you don't recognize that quote!

Reel Girl